Umbria, Orvieto & Civita de Bagnoregio

Back on our comfortable tour bus, we headed across the Umbria countryside with two  scheduled stops en route to our destination of the hill town of Orvieto.

The first stop was Deruta, and Ceramiche Artistiche Giallette Giulio a family owned pottery producer. The traditional skills that are given to each carefully created piece gives new appreciation for the term craftsmanship. Naturally, a few small treasures had to be purchased to be sent sent home. 

Our next stop was a visit to a family owned vineyard and winery where nothing is new or modern. The old Etruscan caves and tunnels under the estate house were fascinating. The estate overlooked old vines and olive groves in the Umbria countryside, a perfect backdrop and compliment to our wine sampling. You could not help but enjoy the wines and the passion that went into crafting them.

In Orvieto we did group walk through the picturesque medieval town, winding through the narrow streets until the we stepped out into the Piazza del Duomo. Orvieto's gold faced duomo towers over this piazza.  Inside the Duomo you experience the appreciation for the centuries old frescoes and sculptures, and the storytelling that goes into each work. 

Our evening was free and the four travel buddies strolled the narrow Orvieto lanes.  We came across a pleasant trattoria with tables outside in a little niche of a square. It was a  another warm evening of unequalled atmosphere, outstanding food and delightful friends. An evening you just didn't want to come to an end.